"How about the beast empire?" One Sect Leader asked.
The Grand Mistress of the Azure Path stepped forward
"We sent word to the Beast Empire," she said. "So far, no reply. But one of our spies saw movement near the border—large beast tides gathering."
A few murmurs broke out among the sect leaders.
"They've never cared much for balance," she continued. "If they see weakness in the human domains, they might not join us. They might take the chance to strike and deal a heavy blow."
The Supreme One didn't interrupt.
"But there is still hope," she went on, voice steady. "There's one among them who once studied in our lands. A spirit beast who took human form and earned the rank of Titled One. If anyone can convince the Beast Kings to listen—it's her."
Someone in the crowd asked, "And where is she now?"
"She's already crossed into beast territory to negotiate,"
